Abstract: A lid and tray assembly includes at least two lift tabs and/or indentations at separated but not directly opposing locations about the lid periphery that can be actuated simultaneously or sequentially to provide two distinct locations from which initial disengagements can extend and merge to enable easy removal of the entire lid. Embodiments further include locations that can be pressed while corresponding tabs are lifted. Some embodiments include a peripheral skirt that is short enough to allow a user's fingers to pass beneath and support the tray sidewalls when lifting the tray-lid assembly from a horizontal surface, avoiding any need for the lid engagement to bear the weight of the tray and its contents. Lid-tray engagement can be by means of inserting a lid peripheral rim into a tray lip groove, or by engaging a lid rim undercut with a tray lip undercut.

Abstract: A lid and tray assembly includes at least two lift tabs and/or indentations at separated but not directly opposing locations about the lid periphery that can be actuated simultaneously or sequentially to provide two distinct locations from which initial disengagements can extend and merge to enable easy removal of the entire lid. Embodiments further include locations that can be pressed while corresponding tabs are lifted. Some embodiments include a peripheral skirt that is short enough to allow a user's fingers to pass beneath and support the tray sidewalls when lifting the tray-lid assembly from a horizontal surface, avoiding any need for the lid engagement to bear the weight of the tray and its contents. Lid-tray engagement can be by means of inserting a lid peripheral rim into a tray lip groove, or by engaging a lid rim undercut with a tray lip undercut.

Abstract: A polygonal lid and container base provide secure and reliable engagement therebetween, while also facilitating removal of the lid without disturbing contents and without applying undue stress to the lid. The lid includes at least one graspable member near or at a designated “release” vertex that facilitates disengagement of the lid from the container base at the release vertex. The lid further includes regions of enhanced engagement that enhance the attachment of the lid to the container base at least along the two sides of the lid that adjoin the release vertex, causing the overall attachment to be less dependent on attachment at the release vertex. As a result, the strength of attachment at the release vertex can be made weaker than at the other vertices, for easy release of the release vertex, without undue weakening of the overall attachment of the lid to the container base.

Abstract: A method for releasing a lid from a base without disturbing contents and without undue lid stress includes flexing two graspable members at separated locations about the lid periphery, thereby providing two distinct initial disengagement locations and overcoming any tendency of the lid to reactively grip the tray when disengagement is initiated. The separated locations are not directly opposite to each other, and can be separations of between 20 and 60 degrees or between 25 and 50 degrees. The lid is then easily removed by lifting the lid upward. The method can include simultaneous and/or sequential flexing of the graspable members by one or both of a user's hands. The graspable members can include lift tabs and/or indentations. In embodiments where the lid further includes press locations, the method includes pressing on the press locations while flexing the graspable members.

Abstract: A lid is reliably engagable with a tray while being easily releasable without disturbing tray contents and without undue lid stress. At least two lift tabs or indentations are provided at separated locations about the lid periphery, thereby providing two distinct initial disengagement locations and overcoming any tendency of the elastic lid to reactively grip the tray when disengagement is initiated. Initial disengagement at the two locations thereby enables easy removal of the entire lid. Lid release can require simultaneous and/or sequential actuation of tabs and/or indentations. Embodiments further include locations that can be pressed while corresponding tabs are lifted. Some embodiments include a peripheral skirt that is short enough to allow a user's fingers to pass beneath and support the tray sidewalls when lifting the tray-lid assembly from a horizontal surface, avoiding any need for the lid engagement to bear the weight of the tray and its contents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a food container assembly comprising a base and a lid wherein the base and the lid are structurally identical in one of the embodiments. The base and the lid include inter-cooperating sealing areas in the form of ridges and mating grooves. The base and the lid can be joined via a first hinge/latch combination in a mutually hingeable relationship along a pair of corresponding sides, and in addition, can be mutually secured along an opposing pair of corresponding sides via a second hinge/latch combination. According to one embodiment of the invention, the container base includes a bottom wall; a sidewall; and a peripheral rim having a ridge portion, a groove portion, a hinge flap and a locking area; wherein the container base is adapted for engagement and latching with another identical container base disposed in an inverted and superjacent relationship therewith.

Abstract: A lid is reliably engagable with a tray while being easily releasable without disturbing tray contents and without undue lid stress. At least two lift tabs or indentations are provided at separated locations about the lid periphery, thereby providing two distinct initial disengagement locations and overcoming any tendency of the elastic lid to reactively grip the tray when disengagement is initiated. Initial disengagement at the two locations thereby enables easy removal of the entire lid. Lid release can require simultaneous and/or sequential actuation of tabs and/or indentations. Embodiments further include locations that can be pressed while corresponding tabs are lifted. Some embodiments include a peripheral skirt that is short enough to allow a user's fingers to pass beneath and support the tray sidewalls when lifting the tray-lid assembly from a horizontal surface, avoiding any need for the lid engagement to bear the weight of the tray and its contents.

Abstract: A one-piece disposable cup lid enables drinking while inhibiting splashing and spilling by blocking straight-line paths through the lid and dispensing beverage through a well. A drinking spout can include a well having a sidewall, a bottom and a penetration into the cup, or a sloping lid section can intersect a raised rim to create a well therebetween, with a penetration in the sloping section or the rim configured to block straight-line paths, for example by upwardly hinging of a flap or depressing half of a split, convex bubble. Embodiments include baffles that force a beverage to flow through a convoluted path and/or through chambers before being consumed. Baffles can be formed in place, or by hinged movement of flaps after forming. Textures and/or protruding structures can intercept, direct, and/or influence surface tension as beverage flows across surfaces. Vent hole sizes and locations can further limit flow and spilling.